Geotechnical Engineer Associate (TE Associate)

State of Iowa • Ames - 50010 - Story County, IA

8d • Onsite

About The Position

Come join the Iowa Department of Transportation’s Soil Design Section as a Geotechnical Engineer Associate (Transportation Engineer Associate)! This entry-level role is ideal for emerging engineers to work with a licensed professional engineer on state highway and interstate projects. This position will provide opportunities to learn and grow in the geotechnical engineering field. The Soils Design Section within the Design Bureau plays a vital role in evaluating and addressing geotechnical and geologic conditions that affect the construction, repair, and rehabilitation of transportation projects throughout Iowa. You’ll be part of a collaborative, supportive team that values problem-solving, knowledge-sharing, and professional growth. Team members work closely with experienced engineers who prioritize mentorship and encourage curiosity, innovation, and continuous improvement. As a Geotechnical Engineer Associate, you will: Perform geotechnical engineering work in the preparation of roadway and bridge plans. Assist with emergency response projects. Evaluate foundation support for bridges, culverts, and other drainage structures, and prepare recommendations consistent with applicable engineering standards. Inspect soils and foundation-related problems or unexpected discoveries encountered during construction, helping determine practical solutions that minimize delays. Assess and recommend effective methods to meet roadway design objectives related to subgrade treatments, and grading activities, supporting design teams across the Iowa DOT. Along the way, you’ll take on increasingly advanced technical assignments, work with diverse teams across the Iowa DOT, and gain the experience needed to progress to higher levels of responsibility. As part of a structured trainee-journey progression, you’ll build the knowledge and experience needed to advance your career, including preparation for the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam and future eligibility for Professional Engineer licensure. The Iowa Department of Transportation is proud to be a partner with the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE). Through this partnership, DOT engineers are granted membership at a largely discounted price, as well as discounts for conferences and continuing education through the ASCE. We are excited to offer this benefit and to have you join this partnership with us! If you're interested in learning more about this benefit, please visit https://www.asce.org/membership .

Requirements

• Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a bachelor's degree in chemical, civil, construction, environmental, materials, mechanics, structural, or transportation engineering or in engineering management.
• Possession of a verification of graduation with major course work in chemical, civil, construction, environmental, materials, mechanics, structural, or transportation engineering or in engineering management.
• Ability to travel to remote locations for meetings and field reviews, and mobility to access sites in rugged terrain.
• Ability to lift and manipulate field equipment and other items weighing up to 50 pounds over uneven terrain.
• Valid Class C driver’s license to drive a state or personal vehicle for traveling to complete job duties.
• Passing the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam is required within 24 months of hire.
• Licensure as a professional engineer in the State of Iowa is required within 6 years of hire for continued employment as a Transportation Engineer Associate.

Nice To Haves

• Applicants hired with verification of graduation will be required to graduate with a bachelor’s degree from an accredited four-year college or university within 10 months of hire.
• Certification as an Engineer in Training (EIT) by the Iowa Engineering & Land Surveying Examining Board
• Licensure as a professional engineer by the Iowa Engineering & Land Surveying Examining Board.

Responsibilities

• Perform geotechnical engineering work in the preparation of roadway and bridge plans.
• Assist with emergency response projects.
• Evaluate foundation support for bridges, culverts, and other drainage structures, and prepare recommendations consistent with applicable engineering standards.
• Inspect soils and foundation-related problems or unexpected discoveries encountered during construction, helping determine practical solutions that minimize delays.
• Assess and recommend effective methods to meet roadway design objectives related to subgrade treatments, and grading activities, supporting design teams across the Iowa DOT.

Benefits

• Competitive pay and benefits package including health, dental, flexible spending, and life insurance
• Insurance benefits start the first month following 30 days of employment
• Opportunities for professional growth and development.
• Paid time off effective immediately - biweekly vacation, separate sick leave, accruals rollover on a yearly basis, and 9 paid holidays per year.
• Iowa Public Employee Retirement System (IPERS) Retirement Package with employer match
• Optional 401A plan with employer contributions.
• Employee Discount Programs from a variety of vendors (vision, cellular, fitness, recreation, season passes, travel, counseling; legal, financial).

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level